Jason, in addition to whether the M5 will get the navigation update, do you know whether the lane departure warning will include the frontal collision warning? Also, is hands free trunk opening standard with comfort access on the M5?

Sorry for all the questions, but you seem to be the person "in the know!"

Nooooooooo!!!!!!!!! Not The Snowflake Button!!! Is Nothing Sacred Anymore!?!?!?!?!?!

I know right? It's because of all the dumb-asses in their marketing clinics and jd power surveys. This is being done for the same reason the cruise control stalk was moved to buttons on the steering wheel!!!

I know right? It's because of all the dumb-asses in their marketing clinics and jd power surveys. This is being done for the same reason the cruise control stalk was moved to buttons on the steering wheel!!!

Actually the I don't mind the steering wheel cruise control. Or at least how they did it on the E46 isn't too bad. The new ones may be different.

well you're right, I shouldn't complain without actually trying it (my 2013 X3 on the truck) yet but I think the cruise control stalk works perfect (IMO) the way it is. Read an article in car and driver about the influence of these JD power research quotients (something like that) and they specifically mentioned the BMW cruise stalk.

The cruise control has been on the steering wheel forever, at least since my 1997 528i. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever owned a car that had a cruise control stock. What I don't really like is that BMW recently had the cruise control swap sides with the audio controls - if anyone can explain the new logic can you share? I always thought it made more sense to have more often used audio controls on the left side as the left hand is more likely to be on the steering wheel, at least for LHD cars.

Just one thing: in Germany BMW is forcing the TV Function to be added with the Apps option. For those who want TV it's not a problem but for perhaps the majority (me included) who would be okay with having Apps but don't care for TV in the car, it's a church robbery.

Any ideas on why this is the case for MY2013? Is this also happening in North America/other regions?

Just one thing: in Germany BMW is forcing the TV Function to be added with the Apps option. For those who want TV it's not a problem but for perhaps the majority (me included) who would be okay with having Apps but don't care for TV in the car, it's a church robbery.

Any ideas on why this is the case for MY2013? Is this also happening in North America/other regions?

I have not heard anything about this, sounds like BMW would like to earn a few extra bucks...robbery? YEP!

Thanks for the update!!
Seems like nothing stays the same for too long, I remember in 2006-2010 it was Xi for xdrive now they moved the badge to the back, it must be the subtle changes that are noticed.

Good afternoon. I am having a difficult time determining what updates are standard on the 2013 and what are options. Some of you have responded to my other post (http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthre...1#post12077952) (where I am debating between a basic 2012 with no options on it except a premium one package, and a 2013 which I would wait for to get the updated navigation which I would not otherwise be getting).

I am looking to pay the least amount of money possible.

If I am swayed to get a 528 with navigation (since apparently if I were to buy the 2012 that is coming for me, with no navigation, I will have resell issues), is the navigation in the 2013 that much of an improvement over the 2012? How about the idrive/bmw apps - are the updates going to be such a big improvement or practically the same? Will I be able to go on the internet?

Also, what else (that is STANDARD) would be in the 2013 that would be worth the wait as compared to the 2012?

Just one thing: in Germany BMW is forcing the TV Function to be added with the Apps option. For those who want TV it's not a problem but for perhaps the majority (me included) who would be okay with having Apps but don't care for TV in the car, it's a church robbery.

Any ideas on why this is the case for MY2013? Is this also happening in North America/other regions?

I would just like to add that it was apparently a bug in the configuration software forcing the TV Functionality if you wanted BMW Apps. Today my dealer was able to change my order so as to include Apps and TV remained out.

Steve Jobs didn't die, he was hired by BMW. I'm disappointed that BMW would use basically the same CCC navigation system since 2004 in the 5 series, switch to CIC in 2009 and then sneak another update in for an auspicious year model. Apple may think this is a good business model, but eventually this leads to consumer fatigue - we are too afraid to buy a thing lest it become obsolete in a few months.

Say what you will, but no one buys a 5 series for practicality's sake. It is also about amenities and image - now I'm hesitant to say i'll definitely shop for another BMW in 3 years when my lease it up.

I'm sorry, but it upsets you that BMW keeps improving and updating their cars with every model year? Why? You don't want anyone who buys the same model next year to have more features and content than you do? You should write BMW a letter to that effect. I'm sure they are too polite to write back and tell you that if you want a car that doesnt change from year to year to buy a Lada, oh wait, that company went broke making the same thing every year.

So I build my car with the same "required" options I have on my '12 and the '13 MSRP jumped $1600. But in '13 I would gain Comfort Access keyless entry due to package configuration requirements.

What I'm upset about is that Soft-close automatic doors are back. I wanted those but apparently 528i wasn't good enough for them in 2012.

If I was buying again I would...

DROP: Luxury Seating Package (not as great as I originally expected. Just gives you tiny fans that don't work that well and active seat is dumb )

ADD: Multi-contour seats (only nice part of Luxury seat. pkg)
ADD: Side and Top View Cameras (had it in a loaner, loved it)
ADD: Active Blind Spot Detection (car is hard to see out of when the windows shades ar up)
ADD: Comfort Access (regret not making this required
ADD: Soft Close Doors (still believe these are cool - maybe I'm wrong)

Does anyone have a link to the PDF of the new iDrive and Navigation Operators Manuals? I've searched Google with no results. The owners manuals for the 2013 vehicles are now on BMWUSA.com, but that only covers the car and refers you out to the separate iDrive manual and the Navigation/Communication manuals, which they do not provide on the site. Does anyone have a link to a PDF for these manuals?

My new 550i GT M-sport is just off the boat this week and I'm waiting for it to arrive at the dealer. I'd like to read up on the iDrive and navigation ahead of time. Appreciate any help.